Ingrown hairs result when short, curly hairs that have been shaved curve back in to the hair follicle. Although ingrown hairs can occur anywhere on the body, they are more likely to form on the face, neck, underarms and groin where hair can be its most coarse. When the hairs are cut too short or are coarse and curly, they are more likely to become ingrown, according to Redding Dermatology. Ingrown hairs can be itchy, painful, discolored and/or irritated--they can even cause scarring. For this reason, it is important to treat ingrown hairs in order to prevent new ones from forming.
Step 1
Place a hot towel against the skin for at least five minutes. This will help to open up the pores as well as soften the ingrown hairs. Making the hair more soft may make it easier to lift the hair out of the pores.
Step 2
Exfoliate the affected area using an exfoliating scrub or a loofah in order to loosen the ingrown hair out of the hair follicle. If the area is irritated, do not press too hard--a gentle circular scrubbing motion will be sufficient.
Step 3
Use a pair of sterilized tweezers or a needle to lift the ingrown hair out of the follicle, according to "The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies". Do not pull the hair out itself, but instead loosen the looped hair from the follicle. Pulling the hair out may only irritate it further.
Step 4
Swipe a cotton ball dipped in hydrogen peroxide over the hair follicle. This will help to kill any bacteria that may have infected the follicle.
Step 5
Apply lotion to the area to soften the hairs. Because the coarseness of the hair can cause it to loop back in to the skin, keeping the hair and skin moisturized can help to treat ingrown hairs and prevent new ones from forming.
Tips and Warnings
- Prevent future ingrown hairs by shaving in the direction of your skin and always using a shaving cream or gel to soften the hairs prior to shaving.
- Refrain from constantly picking at your ingrown hair because infection can result. If you attempt this method of ingrown hair removal, yet are unsuccessful in removing the hair, see your physician who may extract it.
Things You'll Need
- Exfoliating scrub or loofah
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Cotton ball
- Tweezers or needle
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